image by Jim Stringfellow
LA VENTANA CLASSIC AND KITEXPO UPDATE 1/15:
We are pleased to annouce that more prizes have been added to the Treasure Hunt and Raffle!
- Ocean Rodeo Mako 140 x 140
- Liquid Force Twin tip TBD
- Caution Redline 125
- Royal Kiteboarding “One” Twin tip
Additionally, two new products will be available to test for the first time and Underground is rolling out their new 2009 twin tips and surfboards! Be sure to check out the new Slingshot RPM and Best Kahoona!
Clinic Updates:
Sean Farley (North) Racing Clinic — On day of Race, 4p: Sean Farley finished the 2008 PKRA World Tour in 2nd place in the race, in a close battle with fellow North team rider Charles Deleau. Clinic will be held either under the big tent in the middle of the event or at the North booth. Listen for promo announcements on race day or see registration. Race Day is planned for Thursday, Jan 22, but will be confirmed at Skipper’s Meeting Wed night at Palapas Ventana, based on best wind day forecast.
Etienne Lhote (F-One) Freestyle Clinic — Friday, Jan 23, 11a: Kiting since he was 12 and a pro rider for F-One for the last six, 26-year-old Etienne finished 3rd in the final PKRA rankings in 2005. Traveling all the way from Europe especially for the event, Etienne’s clinic will cover first rotations, kite loops, unhooked moves and any other questions you might have to help take your riding to the next level. Clinic subject to change, dependent on weather/race day. Clinic to be held at either Fone space area or under big tent in middle of event.
Brendan Richards (Caution) Wave Clinic, 11a Saturday: Brendan is a team rider for Caution and a kitesurfing instructor based out of Santa Cruz, California. In 2001, Brendan learned to kite during a windsurfing trip in Tarifa, Spain and has been kitesurfing in Santa Cruz ever since. Brendan is one of Santa Cruz’s top strapless riders and spends much of his time helping others through the beginner and intermediate levels of kitesurfing at Waddell Creek. Brendan’s clinic will be held under the big tent in the middle of the event and will cover wave kiting issues such as kite/board technique, gear, water etiquette and any questions the group may have. Day subject to change and will be finalized at skipper’s meeting Wed night, based on forecast.
Tonia Farman (Liquid Force) Women’s Gear & Grab Maven Riding Clinic-Sunday 11a: Tonia Farman wears lots of hats in kiteboarding, but focuses much of her time running camps & clinics for women and her kite school, Cascade Kiteboarding. She runs Kiteboarding 4 Cancer, teaches Pilates, and also works as a marketing consultant. Tonia will be doin ag Women’s Kiteboarding Gear & Grab Clinic under the big tent in the middle of the event which is open to girls and women of all ages. Come by for tips, talk, and swag!
We are also still looking for volunteers!
- Helpers in pangas (boats) who know how to launch kites
- Raffle ticket sales
- Kite catchers for comps
- Finish line helpers
- Tree planners
- Tree planting project leaders
- Medical team helpers
- Expo registration helpers
Volunteers get a free t-shirt and meal ticket for the BBQ! To volunteer stop in at Palapas Ventana or contact Tim Hatler at [email protected]